Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns HATING ON S&W..

I don't know how many Smiths I've owned over the years. I'm guessing 50 or more. I've never had a problem with one, including a bunch from Bangor-Punta. I take that back. I've got an American that dates back to probably 1872 and had a broken hammer when I got it. My newest is the Governor. I can't recall the exact year I got it, but I bought the second one I saw.

I wish I had kept some of the old guns, I have not bought a single new revolver with the lock on it that was good to go from the factory. You think your dreaming when you get call from SW and they tell you they are going to send you your money back on a damn 22 caliber stainless steel revolver. Then when a Glock shoots better than a $800 revolver you know something is wrong. I may try a ruger 357 they are heavier and bulkier but never another new SW revolver.

I’m kinda in EdM’s camp on this one. S&W hasn’t came out with anything new I really want since the lock came about and used ones can usually be had at pretty comparable prices to new ones of the models still being made.

Guess i’ll be the contrary speaker - bought a new/current production N frame in 2016. A 629 Classic. Unaware at time of purchase about the barrel alignment issues and other QC failures. I looked it over good when I bought it, but I wasn’t “in the know” so-to-speak about specific issues to be looking closely for. Obviously, i’ve since examined it very closely for any of these problems and have shot the hell out of it....

Nope. Not a damn thing wrong with it. Dare say it’s a perfect gun.

I would buy another new production gun in a heartbeat. But, i’d Go into the pre-purchase examination of it with an educated eye, and a long hard look. I also wouldn’t buy one from an on-line vendor.

Maybe I got lucky?....

The model 69 is the most packable revolver I’ve messed with. After lots of shooting it still runs perfectly. My load is a 260 Keith at 1200.

Exactly. I agree completely.

I guess my problem is that I can actually shoot a pistol, not that I am a star shooter but I can tell the difference between a softball size group at 15 yards and an 8 inch off center group with the rear sight run all the way over to the right side. Their guns are not worth the money anymore. I may see if I can find me an older pre lock blue steel model 19 with a 4 inch barrel as my keepsake revolver, no more of the new ones though.

Every N and K frame Smith I own is pinned and recessed. Never a problem.
If it was made after 1981, I've never been interested.

Do own one newer keyless J frame, so far so good with it.

The one recent Smith that tempts me severely is the 4" Model 22-4. I'd probably chop my old 37 Brazilian before I'd do that.

Essentially a Model M1917 S&W revolver. I once knew a guy who carried a short barreled M1917 S&W with no finish on it. I don't even think it had a front sight on it. This was back in the 1980s. Old fellow. He talked me out of my Charter Arms Bulldog .44, and started carrying it instead. Same concept, but much lighter and more compact. Not as cool, though.

PS I had the S&W Model 22-4 once. Bought it when it first came out. Got back what I paid for it a few years later. Cool guns, though.

I like those 22-4s too, TRH. If you could see the pile of 45LC/ACP guns, bullets and brass around here, you'd understand.

And, as you may recall, I also have one of those Brazilians. That's the Model 22-4 partially shown next to it.

Pardon my naivete, but when you are referring to the Hillary hole, I am assuming you are referring to the attempt to make a "safe" revolver with the addition of a key lock. I have a 625-5 in 45 Colt that I absolutely adore, and I will regret to my dying day getting rid of an 18 for some stupid reason. Both are and were from the 70"s to 80's. No problem with either.

dk, Your assumption is correct.

I just purchase Performance Center revolvers. Haven't had any problems.

Just picked up a gorgeous nickel 19 4". It'll be here mid week. I'll post pics...

Pinned and recessed?

you betcha,,

Redheaded girls and nickel-plated pistols have been weaknesses of mine for as long as I can remember.